Ferguson: Ronaldo a worthy winner

Alex Ferguson feels Cristiano Ronaldo richly deserved to be awarded the Ballon D’Or.

The Manchester United winger was confirmed as winner of the prestigious accolade on Tuesday.

Ronaldo became the fourth United player to land the trophy, following in the footsteps of Sir Bobby Charlton, Denis Law and George Best.

Ferguson will be present to see the 23-year-old, who is also expected to be crowned FIFA world player of the year next month, collect his prize.

And he has no doubts that, after netting 42 goals in an incredible season that saw United crowned Premier League and Champions League winners, it is fully merited.

“It is brilliant for Ronaldo to win the Ballon D’Or,” said Ferguson. “I will be going to see him receive his award on Sunday and it is well deserved.

“The percentage of votes he got made it an almost unanimous decision.

“It is good to know he wants to improve. I think he will improve.”

Before he gets his hands on the trophy, Ronaldo will first hope to help United defeat Sunderland at Old Trafford tomorrow.

The Madeira-born star is available again after serving a one-match ban for his red card at Manchester City last weekend.